GB2359965A

GB2359965A - Operating devices in a vehicle remotely via apparatus connected to the steering wheel where the operating elements move in two and/or three dimensions

Info

Publication number: GB2359965A
Application number: GB0102290A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Wawra
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2000-02-04
Filing date: 2001-01-30
Publication date: 2001-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-30
Also published as: DE10004965A1; GB2359965B; GB0102290D0; JP2001265457A; DE10004965C2

Description

2359965 1

DESCRIPTION APPARATUS FOR THE MANUAL OPERATION OF DEVICES IN A VEHICLE

The invention relates to an apparatus for the manual operation of devices in a vehicle of the type wherein the apparatus is connected to a vehicle steering wheel and wherein the apparatus communicates in a wireless manner with a radio base station.

It is already known that there are remote controls for car radios which can be mounted on the vehicle steering wheel. They permit selection from a menu, wherein it is only possible to perform a one-dimensional movement in graphics on a display and keys can be operated.

In accordance with the present invention, a first operating element of the apparatus renders it possible to perform a two-dimensional movement and/or threedimensional movement and further operating elements render it possible to activate functions in graphics on a display, and the radio base station being connected to the display.

In contrast thereto to the known system, an the apparatus in accordance with the invention for the manual operation of devices in a vehicle has the advantage that it is possible to perform a two-dimensional movement and/or a three-dimensional movement on a display by means of the first operating element. This makes full use of the advantages of a graphical user interface as known in the field of computer technology, in particular, since the further operating elements serve to activate functions. As a consequence, the full functionality of a computer mouse is achieved. The display which is used in this case serves to control all of the devices which can be controlled by means of the apparatus in accordance with the

2 invention. This establishes a uniform operating philosophy and a uniform interface for the purpose of operating the controllable devices. This enables a user to operate the devices in his/her vehicle more rapidly and more comfortably.

The features listed in the dependent claims offer advantageous developments and improvements in the apparatus stated in the independent claim for the manual operation of devices in a vehicle.

It is also an advantage that by virtue of an additional pressure sensor or a flirther operating element, for example a small wheel, it is possible for a threedimensional movement to be performed in the graphics on the display.

It is particularly advantageous that either a track ball or a track point or a touch pad is used as a suitable first operating element for a twodimensional movement on a display. Also, the addition of afleast one key or one push button produces a further operating element which is used for deactivating a function which is illustrated in the form of a symbol on the display.

Furthermore, it is also an advantage that the apparatus in accordance with the invention is integrated into the steering wheel, so that the driver is not hampered when using the steering wheel. This integration of the apparatus in accordance with the invention in the steering wheel also produces a stream-lined steering wheel design. Furthermore, this serves to increase driver-safety, as he/she is not able to get knocked or even injured on the apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Alternatively, it is advantageous to design the apparatus in accordance with the invention as an add-on module, so that according to the driver's requirement the apparatus in accordance with the invention can be placed on the steering wheel.

3 Furthermore, this add-on module is then of interest to a broader range of customers, since these potential buyers do not have to have a steering wheel which comprises the device for receiving the apparatus in accordance with the invention. Therefore, the apparatus in accordance with the invention can then be mounted on to any steering wheel.

It is particularly advantageous that the Bluetooth standard is used for the communication between the apparatus in accordance with the invention and a radio base station of the vehicle. This standard advantageously allows high transmission rates in short transmission paths. Furthermore, the communication is particularly guaranteed in an advantageous manner, so that it is extremely difficult to perform any external manipulation. Furthermore, this standard is open, so that it can be used for any producer, thus allowing a greater degree of compatibility between different Bluetooth devices provided by the various producers.

Furthermore,, it is advantageous that the apparatus in- accordance,with the. invention is coupled to a speech output system, wherein this speech output system is used for the purpose of acknowledging the commands carried out by the apparatus in accordance with the invention, so that the selection made by the user is subsequently verified. Furthermore, the speech output system renders it possible to provide information relating to where the driver is currently travelling to and the driver is thus able to continue concentrating on the traffic without having to look away.

It is also advantageous that a finger print sensor contained in the apparatus in accordance with the invention renders it possible to identify a driver and a suitable locking system is thus produced in a convenient manner. The unique nature of the finger print serves to produce a highly reliable locking system.

The mobile operation of the apparatus in accordance with the invention serves to 4 provide further possible applications of the apparatus in accordance with the invention which go flurlher than the mere operation of devices. Initially, it is thereby advantageously possible for persons other than the driver to use the mobile device as a remote control for the purpose of controlling the devices in the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the mobile device is used for the purpose of receiving new versions of software, in order optionally to load software which is then exported to the radio base station of the vehicle, in order thereby to renew also the software of components of the vehicle. In so doing, the mobile device is moved to an external station outside the vehicle, where the new software is loaded.

As a mobile device, the apparatus in accordance with the invention can also comprise data relating to the state of the vehicle, in order to transmit this data to an external station for maintenance purposes. Therefore, it is possible in aw, advantageous manner to analyse maintenance data without taking the vehicle to a garage.

Finally, it is also advantageous that as a mobile device the apparatus in accordance with the invention also functions as a communication device. Therefore, a user will also use the apparatus in accordance with the invention as a transceiver station, preferably as a mobile telephone. Finally, the fact that the apparatus in accordance with the invention is removable means that a replacement can readily be provided in the event of a malfunction.

Therefore, it is advantageous in this connection that the apparatus in accordance with the invention can also be connected to external stations. This enables data transfer with these external stations which is used for the purpose of renewing software or for transmitting vehicle-specific data.

Finally, it is also advantageous that the apparatus in accordance with the invention is used as a locking system for the vehicle. This serves to provide multifunctionality for the apparatus in accordance with the invention which goes way beyond the function as an input medium.

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 shows a front view of a steering wheel comprising one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 shows the rear- side of a steering wheel comprising an apparatus in accordance with the invention, Figure 3 shows an apparatus in accordance with the invention anda-radio base station which is connected to connected devices, and Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, increasingly comprise devices for the purpose of displaying information and also for entertainment purposes and they also comprise adjustable actuators such as window lifting devices. The various devices have separate operating elements, optionally also remote controls, which depending upon the manufacturer function according to different operating philosophies. It is therefore necessary for the driver to become familiar with the operation of the individual devices and to touch the operating elements manually. In particular, haptic operating elements, as the operating elements are called which 6 are to be operated by hand, include those operating elements which are used in the cases where it is necessary to a perform fine adjustment, e.g. volume-control, station-search, i.e. those adjustments which are difficult to accomplish by means of a speech control system. A speech control system is also much more complicated.

Thus, in accordance with the invention an apparatus is provided which comprises a first operating element which permits at least a twodimensional movement and/or a three-dimensional movement in graphics on a display. Furthermore, the apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises further operating elements for the purpose of activating fianctions which have been selected on the display. The three-dimensional movement is also made possible by means of a further operating element in addition to the first operating element. Therefore, all of the devices which are connected to the display can becontrolled via the display. The first. operating element for the two-dimensional movement on the display is mounted and freely rotatable in a holding orreceiving, device.

Figure 1 illustrates the front-side of a steering wheel comprising an apparatus in accordance with the invention. The steering wheel 1 includes the apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention at the point where the steering wheel spoke meets the outer ring of the steering wheel 1. In Figure 1, this is on the left-hand side of the steering wheel 1, which especially for a left-handed person is a suitable position for operating the apparatus in accordance with the invention. For a righthanded person, the apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention is advantageouslY placed on the corresponding right-hand side of the steering wheel 1. The position indicated in this case is particularly advantageous for convenient operation of the apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention, since it is located in the immediate proximity to the driver's thumb which is advantageously used for operating purposes.

7 The apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention comprises an operating element 3 which in this case is a track ball which is known for notepads. A track ball is a mounted spheroid which can be moved in all rotational directions. Alternatively, it is possible to use a track point or a touch pad.

A touch pad is a contact-sensitive operating surface which is touched and moved by a person's finger for controlling a computer system in a twodimensional direction. A track point is a pressure-sensitive, ball-like operating element which by exerting a contact pressure in a desired direction renders it possible to control the computer system in a twodimensional direction and said operating element is preferably used in mobile data processing systems.

The apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention is incorporated into the steering wheel 1 in a through-going orifice as a receiving and holding device. One suitable holding device is a clamping device which can be released by push keys.. However, 4t is also,possible to usd.a simple screw-connection in this case.

A further operating element 32 is placed on the steering wheel 1 on the right-hand side of the steering wheel 1 and furthermore at the point where the steering wheel spoke meets the outer ring of the steering wheel 1. This operating element 32 is a small wheel which is used for movement into the space on the display. This serves to accomplish a three- dimensional movement on the display. A line is routed to the apparatus 2 in order to transmit data from the small wheel 32 to the apparatus 2. In this case, the line is an electrical line but it can also be an optical connection, glass-fibre or synthetic material fibre.

Alternatively, the movement into the space can be achieved by means of a pressure sensor in the operating element 3. In this case, the driver has to apply a pushing movement to signal the movement into the space on the display.

8 It is also possible to dispense with the possibility of perforrning the threedimensional movement in the scene illustrated by the display, so that only a twodimensional movement is possible on the display.

Figure 2 illustrates the rear-side of the steering wheel 1. The embodiment of apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention comprises on its rear-side 2 push keys 3 and 4 which are used in a similar manner to a computer mouse for the purpose of activating programs and functions. However, it is also possible in this case to provide other equivalent operating elements such as push buttons. It is also possible to use only one key, if only limited degrees of functionality are achieved by means of the push key. In dependence upon the degree of complexity which is to be achieved by means of these operating elements, it is possible to increase the number of these operating elements on the rear-side of the apparatus Figure 3; illustrates a block diagram of.the RppartL.2 and axadio base station 8 having connected devices. The apparatus 2 comprises an antenna 6 for the purpose of transmitting signals in a wireless manner to the radio base station 8. Bluetooth, the worldwide standard for wireless communication, is used in this case in order to transmit the data.

This standard was specifically developed for short distance. Therefore, it is possible via radio to achieve a transmission rate of one megabyte per second over short distances. Bluetooth is used in the freely available and universal 2.45 GHzISM-band. This standard is thus perfectly suited to portable and interoperable applications. Bluetooth is ideal for short-distance radio and both for speech and data transmission. The standard thus renders it possible to reduce the cabling outlay between devices located only a short distance apart from each other. However, one crucial advantage of Bluetooth is that it relates to an open specification. It is not necessary to pay any licence fees. The devices have to

9 conform to this standard in order to utilize the Bluetooth patents. Furthermore, a manufacturing company must be registered as a member of the Special Interest Group (SIG). In the case of the Bluetooth standard, it is possible to achieve a range between 10 cm and 10 m at a transmission output of 0 dBm. An increase in output serves to increase the range accordingly. Interference is obviated by virtue of high frequency jump rates. The processes of forwards error correction and speech coding and speech coding also serve to optimize the transmission quality.

The apparatus 2 is illustrated in Figure 4 in the form of a block diagram. The various components of the apparatus 2 are connected together via a bus 19. However, it is also possible to provide a direct wire connection.

All of the devices which are connected to the bus 19 comprise a bus controller which controls the communication via the bus 19. A signalprocessing device 18, a processor 20, a memory 2 1, a signal-processing device 23, a signal-processing device 3 0, a signal-processing device. 27. and a transceiver station 25 are connected to the bus 19 via data inputs / outputs. An operating element 17 is connected to a data input.of the signal-processing device 18. In this case, this operating element 17 represents the track ball, i.e. the operating element 2 which permits the twodimensional movement on the display, the small wheel 30 and also the push keys 3 and 4.

Connected to a data input of the signal-processing device 23 is a finger print sensor 24. A further input device 31 is connected via a second data input /output of the signal-processing device 30. An antenna 26 is connected to the transceiver station 25 via a second data input / output. A microphone 28 is connected via a second data input / output of the signal-proces.sing device 27. A loudspeaker 29 is connected via a third data input / output of the signal-processing device 27.

The signal-processing device 23 having the finger print sensor 24, the signal- processing device 3 0 having the input device 3 1, the signal-processing device 27 having the microphone 28 and the loudspeaker 29 are options which are not absolutely necessary for the basic functions of the apparatus and can therefore be omitted individually, in groups or completely.

The input signals from the operating elements 17 are converted into electrical signals by sensors contained in the operating elements 17, are amplified by connected electronics and transmitted to the signalprocessing device 18 which digitizes the signals. From the signalprocessing device 18, the digitized signals are transmitted via the bus 19 to the processor 20. The processor 20 uses the digital signals to generate execution commands which the processor 20 then transmits to the transceiver station 25. The transceiver station 25 amplifies the signals, which carry the execution commands, from the processor 20 and converts them into the transmission frequency which in this case amounts to 2.5 GHz as Bluetooth, is used. These signals are then transmitted by means of the antenna 6.

The radio base station 8 receives the transmitted signals by.means of the antenna 7. The radio base station 8 then converts the received signals into an intermediate frequency, amplifies them and a digitization process is performed where appropriate. The data flow which is generated in this manner is then transmitted from the radio base station 8 via a first data input / output to the processor 9. The processor 9 evaluates the signals in order to convert the input, which has been performed by means of the operating elements 17, into a corresponding action. The processor 9 is connected via a first data output to a display 10, on which the processor 9 illustrates the movements performed by means of the operating elements 17.

An electronics arrangement which prepares the signals for the display 10 is connected to the display 10. In the case of a two-dimensional movement, the display 10 is provided with a monitor which is designed as a liquid crystal screen.

11 Alternatively, it is possible to provide a head-up display. For the purpose of a three-dimensional illustration, it is possible to provide a retina projector or a stereoscopic screen.

The processor 9 is connected to a speech output system 22 via a second data output. The speech output system 22 provides the driver with acoustic information as to which action he/she has performed and flu- therinore where he/she is currently travelling to in the vehicle. In order to establish the movement of the vehicle, the processor 9 is connected via a second data input / output to a navigation device 13.

The navigation device 13 comprises a memory, which contains electronic cards, and a locating device which establishes the current location of the vehicle. The navigation device 13 utilizes the location and the electronic cards to establish the position of the vehicle on the electronic cards and is thus able to communicate to the driver the names of the roads in which he/she is located. This information is then output acoustically via the processor 9 and the speech output system 22. This can also be illustrated in two-dimensional or perspective manner as an arrow on the display 10.

Furthermore, the speech output system 22 outputs an acknowledgement of execution commands which the driver has input by means of the operating elements 17. The driver's execution commands which have been input using the operating elements 17 also influence a car radio 12 which is connected to the processor 9 via a third data input / output. Therefore, inputs are executed in this case with respect to station-selection, the playing of recorded music, fine adjustments to the transmitters and volume-control.

In the case of a digital receiver, it is also possible to use the car radio 12 to receive other multimedia data which is then illustrated on the display 10. These types of 12 digital transmission methods, which are suitable for transmitting multimedia data, include in particular DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), DRM (Digital Radio Mondial) and DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting). These digital transmission methods comprise a frame structure which is particularly suitable for broad-band data transmission.

The processor 9 is connected to a bus 16 of the vehicle via a fourth data input output. The bus 16 serves to transmit data between the individual components of the vehicle. A control system 14 and an air-conditioning system 15, which are connected in each case to the bus 16 via data inputs and outputs, are illustrated in this case by way of example. All of the components connected to the bus 16 comprise bus controllers which enable communication via the bus 16. Therefore, it is possible for the driver to use the operating elements 17 to make adjustments on the display 10 with respect to the air-conditioning system 15 or engine control 14 in this case. Alternatively, the components which are directly wired in this case to the processor 9 can also be connected to the bus 16.

The bus systems 16 and 19 are designed in this case as an electrical line system. Alternatively, it is possible to provide an optical bus or a radio bus. For this purpose, the devices which are connected to the bus systems then comprise either electro-optical converters or transceiver stations which enable communication via the bus.

In one development, the apparatus 2 also receives data from the radio base station 8 by means of the antenna 6, which data relates to the state of the components in the vehicle. On the one hand, this relates to the components which are directly connected to the processor 9 or the processor 9 itself, and also to the components which are connected to the bus 16. This data is then transmitted from the transceiver station 25 via the bus 19 to the processor 20 and is then stored by the said processor in the memory 21. This data is then transmitted to an external 13 station which is suitable for recording this kind of maintenance data. For this purpose, the apparatus 2 is removed from the steering wheel 1 and is inserted into a receiving device of the external station. The communication between the apparatus in accordance with the invention and the external station can also be executed in a wireless manner.

The finger print sensor 24 serves to identify a driver as the authorised driver, wherein this sensor data from the finger print sensor 24 is amplified and digitized by the signal-processing device 23, in order then to be transmitted to the processor 20 which compares this data with data stored in the memory 2 1, in order to establish whether a driver is authorised to drive this vehicle. If this is the case, the processor 20 uses the transceiver station 25 and the antenna 6 to transmit a message to the radio base station 8, so that the processor 9 serves to enable the systems of the vehicle for operation purposes. If this is not the case, the enable function is not granted.

If the apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention is used in a detached manner as a mobile communication device, then a separate input device 31 is used with a signal-processing device 30, in order to be able to execute inputs relating to addresses, e.g. a telephone number. In an advantageous manner, a small keyboard is used for this purpose. Alternatively, a speech input system can be provided.

The microphone 28 and the loudspeaker 29 then serve to provide speech communication. Since the present apparatus utilizes Bluetooth for its wireless transmission, it must communicate with a radio base station which also utilizes Bluetooth, in order then to transmit the signals to a mobile telephony network or a fixed-lines telephone network. This can also be the radio base station 8, if a transceiver station for a mobile telephony network is connected to the processor 9 or to the bus 16.

14 If the apparatus in accordance with the invention is operated detached from the steering wheel 1, it is necessary to provide an independent power supply for it. This can be accomplished either by batteries or by a chargeable accumulator which is charged up in each case if the apparatus in accordance with the invention is located in the steering wheel If the apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention cannot be accommodated in the steering wheel 1, it is then attached as an Ad-on module to the outer ring of the steering wheel 1 by means of a clamp or the like. As an alternative to Bluetooth, it is also possible to use different radio transmission standards. It is also possible to use an infrared transmission system.

Combining the apparatus according to the invention with the finger print sensor 24 allows it to be used as a locking system for a vehicle, as already illustrated above. If the finger print sensor 24 is dispensed with, it is alternatively possible for the apparatus in accordance with the invention to function as an electronic. key for the vehicle, wherein in response to a haptic, or speech input by the user the apparatus in accordance with the invention transmits to the radio base station 8 a signal which allows the vehicle to be used.

Claims

Apparatus for the manual operation of devices in a vehicle, in which the apparatus is connected to a vehicle steering wheel and the apparatus communicates in a wireless manner with a radio base station, wherein a first operating element of the apparatus renders it possible to perform a two-dimensional movement and/or a three-dimensional movement and further operating elements render it possible to activate functions in graphics on a display, the radio base station being connected to the display.

2.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first operating element is combined with a pressure sensor or a flu-ther operating element, so that a three-dimensional movement is simulated in the graphics on the display.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a track ball, a track point or a touch pad as the first operating element and comprises at least one key or push button as the further operating elements.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus is integrated into the front-side of the steering wheel, where the steering wheel spoke meets the outer ring of the steering wheel.

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the device is designed as an addon module which is attached to the outer ring of the steering wheel.

Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the apparatus communicates with the radio base station by means of the Bluetooth standard.

16 7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is connected to a speech output system.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a finger print sensor which is suitable for identifying the driver.

9.

Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus can be removed and used as a mobile device.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus can be connected to a station for the purpose of transferring data.

11. Use of the apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus is used as a locking system for a vehicle.

12. Apparatus for the manual operation of devices in a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.